What to Knit and Crochet With 1 Week Till Christmas

There is only one more week to make some gifts!
Here a few that should get done in a jiffy!

Martha Cowl by Hannah Shin
Knit with Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun and 15mm
90 yards needed
One size fits most
An easy and extra thick cowl, made with only 90 yards and 15mm needles. It doesn’t get much quicker to knit then this project!

Crochet Baby Turban from This Mama Makes Stuff
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Berroco Vintage and 4mm hook.
To fit 0-3 months
Every newborn needs a turban! Yes?

30 Minute Crochet Beanie by Persialou
Crocheted with Super Bulky Yarn and 20mm hook
64 yards needed
One size to fit most adults
There are step by step instructions to make this really quick hat.

Last Minute Hat by Kirsten Hipsky
Knit with Bulky yarn like Peruvia Quick doubled up and a 9mm needle. You could also use a Super Bulky used single stranded.
216 yards (198 m) needed
Finished Dimensions in two sizes:18”-20” (20”-22”) around and 10” tall
If you use two different colours you with get this sweet marled effect, or use just one colour for a simple ribbed toque. Either way it will be done in no time.

Teddy Ornaments by Stephanie Jessica Lau
Crocheted with Sport Weight yarn and 2mm needles
These crocheted ornaments couldn’t be simpler and would make great host gifts.

Catnip Bunny by Selena Kyle
Knit with DK weight yarn and 3.25mm
Stuff them with catnip for your furry friends or string them into a garland for a baby pram.

Good luck with all your gift knitting everybody!
Craftily yours
Kristin

 

What to Knit and Crochet with 2 weeks till Christmas

Can you believe there is only two weeks of prep time before Christmas? Me either! Still time to get some gifts done. Pick small things or really, really fat yarn. Here are some suggestions.

Lattice Brioche Scarf by Purl Soho
Knit with Super Bulky Merino like Malabrigo Rasta or Cascade Spuntaneous and 12mm needles
192 yards needed
Finished Dimensions: 8 inches wide x 84 inches long

Malabrigo Rasta ↑

Spuntaneous by Cascade ↑ is new in the store. Super Bulky, 100% extra fine merino, 109 yards.  So soft!

Chunky Crochet Cowl by Just Be Crafty
Crocheted with bulky or super bulky yarn like the Malabrigo Rasta or the Cascade Spuntaneous or Brown Sheep Burly Spun and a 9mm hook
431 yards needed
Finished Dimensions: 7 inches by 76 inches long

Knitted Friends by Suzy Wool
Knit with Sport Weight yarn like Ultra Alpaca Light and 2.5mm needles
Makes toys sized: 15 cm/ 6 inch tall
The pattern includes instructions for all three of these adorable friends.

lalylala  4Seasons IV Winter by Lydia Tresselt
Crocheted with Sport Weight yarn and 2.25mm hook
only 55 – 142 yards needed
Simon is 9 cm high,  Woody is 10,5 cm. Heinz is 12 cm
All of Lydia  Tresselt’s  patterns are so cute. These guys are seasonal though and would look nice on a tree.

Crochet Galilee Booties posted on thewhoot.com
For 0 – 3 months use a 4mm crochet hook
For 3 – 6 months use a 4.5mm crochet hook
For 6 – 9 months use a 5mm crochet hook
and yarn to match!
There is a lovely video that you can watch and stitch along to. Find it HERE
or buy the pattern HERE

Slippies by Jessica Owen Day
Knit with super bulky yarn and 9mm needles
60-90 yards needed
To fit: adult – custom length/one width fits most
Knit in linen stitch and really fat yarn these slippers should be done in no time and will be extra thick and cushy.

Conversationalist by The Plucky Knitter
Knit with worsted weight yarn like Lichen and Lace Worsted and 3.75-4mm needles
230 yards (210 m) needed
pattern is one size (adult)  but says it is easily adjustable.
The key to making this simple hat a real show stopper is to use really nice yarn. A pretty hand dyed merino like Lichen and Lace Worsted will give you a similar effect to the hats pictured here.

Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit and Crochet with 3 weeks till Christmas

There is still time to craft some wonderful handmade gifts before Christmas.
You have 3 weeks!

Starry Night Toque by The Knit Café
Knit with Light Worsted or DK  4-4.5mm. Shown here knit in Riverside Studio Worsted or try Lichen and Lace Worsted. Both are Canadian made!
49 – 153 yards needed
To fit newborn, baby, toddler, child-adult small, adult medium, adult large.
It’s The Knit Cafe’s latest pattern! Because it’s a hat you will have it done in no time, especially if you are making the adorable baby size!

Knit Hedgehog Mittens by Andie Huber
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 5mm needles
aprox 200 yards needed
The finished mittens measure 7½ in (19cm) from the base of the wrist to the tip and should fit an average size child of 7–10 years.
I am smitten with these mittens!

Oversized Sweater Knitting Pattern by Aleksandra
Knit with Bulky Weight yarn like Peruvia Quick or Brooklyn Tweed Quarry and 9mm needles
900 metres needed
Fits in one size only: Width 52 cm, Length 55 cm, Sleeves 42 cm
You might think I’m crazy to suggest knitting a sweater so late in the game, but look how thick and chunky this one is! It’s a very basic, easy peasy and free pattern too.

Parker Cable Socks by Lakeside Loops
Crocheted with DK yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm hook
265 – 827 yards needed
To fit 11 different sizes ranging from baby all the way through to adult
These thick socks are more like slippers and could be made shorter if you fear you will run out of time. The pattern claims to include pictures and videos to keep you on track.

Lennon Cable Leg Warmers by Lakeside Loops
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Berroco Vintage and 5mm hook
Fits 10 sizes: – Baby (6-12 months) – Toddler (1-2 years) – Pre-K (2-4 years) – Child (4-7 years) – Child (7-11 years) – Teen – Small Adult – Medium Adult – Large Adult – XL Adult
You can make these legwarmers or the even quicker boot cuff version of this pattern in any size. Like the previous recommendation this pattern is by Lakeside Loops who have terrific deals on their patterns like buy 2 patterns get one free. Check them out!

Halus by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with Bulky Yarn and 4.5mm -5.5mm needles. Designed and shown in Brooklyn Tweed Quarry
165 yards needed
To comfortably fit average adult head sizes 20–24″); 8¾” long
This stunner of a hat will take no time at all!

Urban Jungle Crocheted Slouchy Beanie by Vickie Howell
Crocheted with Worsted Weight yarn like Lichen and Lace Worsted and 5mm
To fit small, med, large adult
A pretty, bobbled stitch and a good deal of slouch are some of the features in this crocheted hat.

Pocket Ted by Frankie Brown
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn and 2-2.5mm needles. Use your sock scraps and throw in a few Koigu Mini Skeins for just the right colour combination for this project.
Only “small amounts of yarn” needed
Finished dimensions: 8 cm / 3” tall
This little bear fits in an Altoids tin. Once you knit the bear, instructions describe how to knit his bead cloths and tin decorations.

Boogie Earbuds by Bonnie Pruitt
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn and 2.25mm needles. Try Lichen and Lace 80/20 sock or Turtlepurl Self Striping Turtletoes.
0 – 50 yards needed
The designer says she was so sick and tired of the rubbery cords for her earbuds getting tangled, so she designed this cover which “completely solved the problem”. Throw in a new set of earbuds too for one terrific gift!

I highly recommend Turtlepurl yarn for all your self-striping needs. We just received a new batch of this Canadian made, hand dyed yarn. It is perfect for socks; bundled in twos for a matching pair and with a little nylon mixed with the merino for sock-strength. This would make a wonderful gift for any sock knitters on your Holiday shopping list.

Chain Reaction Shawlette by Nicki Hirsch
Crocheted with Fingering Weight like Julie Asselin Picollo and 3mm hook
350 – 400 yards needed
Mostly made of chains and single crochets this shawl can be made to any size from a quick kerchief to a blanket size wrap.

Maya Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska
Knit with Chunky yarn like Misti Alpaca Chunky and 6.5mm needle
328 yards needed
One size: approx. 150 cm/60” wide and 75 cm/30” long at center spine.

We just got in some dreamy, soft Misti Alpaca Chunky which would be terrific for this shawl project but also any hat or scarf project. Alpaca is one of the warmest fibres. Use it for friends and family who are perpetually cold.

Noro Woven Stitch Shawl by Z apasi
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn and 5.5-6.5mm needles. Especially suited for Noro yarns like Noro’s  Kureopatora.
330 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 70” x 22”
The slip knit pattern in this shawl gives it a pretty woven look. It looks stunning when knit in a colour changing, textured yarn like Noro’s Kureopatora which has a softer feel then many Noro blends and is comfortable to wear around the neck.

Next time, with 2 weeks to go I will be focusing my recommendations on projects that take big and bulky yarn like the Malabrigo Rasta we received this week. Look at these ↑ beauties! Expect to see more and more super bulky yarns arrive at The Knit Café in the weeks to come for all your last minute gift ideas.
Till next time
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit and Crochet with 4 weeks till Christmas

Four weeks people!  If you have a long list of gifts to make or just one big idea for someone really special it is time to get those needles clicking. Here are some knit and crochet projects for those of you who are still searching for just the right thing.

High Pines Cowl by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with DK yarn designed for Brooklyn Tweed Arbor and 4mm needles.
390 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 28½” [72.5 cm] circumference at bottom; 25¼” [64 cm] circumference at top; 11½” [29 cm] height
If you are as curious as I am to knit up some of Brooklyn Tweed’s brand new product; the worsted spun, DK weight Arbor, then look no further for a project then this classic cowl or perhaps a hat like the Brooklyn Tweed’s Burnaby Hat.

Bobbly Hat by Justyna Lorkowska
Knit with Worsted Weight like Lichen and Lace hand dyed, worsted, merino and 5mm needles
To fit 2-4y (6-10y)
This hat has lots of lovely textures and would be a real special gift for a little someone. Especially if knit in their favourite colour.

Fair Isle Friday by Almost Saturday by Anna Maltz
Knit with DK weight, Brooklyn Tweed Arbor would suit it to a tee, and 3.75mm 246 – 328 yards needed
one size fits most
These charming hats are ripe with opportunity for colour combining fun. There are two different fair isle designs to choose from.

Winter Honey by Andrea Mowry
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn and 5.5mm needles. Sample shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
605 – 1050 yards needed
Can be made in two sizes with wingspan – 61 in/155 cm (84 in/213 cm), Center Depth – 26.5 in/67 cm (31 in/79 cm)
A nice textured shawl in a cozy medium weight yarn!

Ingeborg Slippers by Kristin Drysdale
Knit with DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and  3mm needles
153 – 164 yards needed
Size is women’s medium
Another pattern for showing off your Fair Isle chops! These slippers and pretty and cozy.

Winter Wanderer Super Scarf by Jess Coppom
Crocheted with Chunky Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky and 5.5mm
1000 – 1200 yards needed
One size: approximately 102 x 10.5”
A super cool, extra large, snowflake shawl. Follow the chart to create the snowflake design. The designer suggests you weave in your ends as you go, I concur.

Cat Baby Cocoon, Hat and Bootie Set by Chi Krneta
Crocheted with DK weight yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm
575 – 650 yards needed for booties, hat and sleep sack
To fit 0-3 months, or  3-6 months
Make this sleep sack, bootie and hat set to match your favourite kitty cat.

Little Fox Socks by North Star Knits
Knit with DK weight yarn like Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light and 3.5mm
284 – 568 yards needed
To fit Baby, toddler, kid, adult
Adorable slipper socks to make the ache of a cold winter floor a veritable picnic. So cute!

Forager’s Scarf by Nicola Hodges
Knit in Aran weight yarn like Madelinetosh Chunky and 5.5mm needles
383 – 416 yards needed
Finished measurements: 107” (272cm) along longest edge and 16” (41cm) at widest point
A lovely shawl! Knit long with lots of drape thanks to the bias shaping and the eyelets. It would look nice on a man or a lady and it is knit with a chunky yarn for faster knitting.

Cara by Kate Burge and Rachel Price
Knit with Aran or Worsted weight yarn such as Noro Kureopatora and 6mm needles
380 – 400 yards needed
Finished dimensions: Height: 11”, Circumference: 36”
This is a job for Noro! – the lovely Japanese company that makes the beautiful, all-the-colours-of-the-rainbow yarn. Grab two of your favourites and combine them for a similar effect to the sample pictured here. This looks like it would be a really fun knit!
For something with an equal amount of Noro yarn fun check out this Magical Striped Scarf Pattern. It is a good pattern for beginner knitters.

Fiery Dragon Scarf by Brook L Hanna
Knit with Worsted Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage and 5mm needles.
197 yards needed
What little boy or girl would not go crazy for this? It’s a scarf! It’s a dragon! It’s both!

That’s it for this week!
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit and Crochet with 6 weeks till Christmas

There are 6 weeks for knitting and crocheting and crafting before Christmas! Sneaks up on ya, doesn’t it?
If you plan to make seasons-greetings gifts for this year, then start the plans and list making and schemes.
Here is a list to get you started. Stuff you can make with only 6 weeks to do so. In fact next week and then the week after and so on… I will be releasing new lists and counting down the weeks and days till seasonal crafting time ends. I will begin with projects that might take a bit more time and end with fast and furious gifts. Are you with me? Here goes!

Avery by Quince and Co
Knit with Aran Weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Quarry and 6mm needles
510 yards needed
Finished Measurements: 54.5” in circumference, 7.75” depth.
I like that this cowl is made with only knits and purls and no other tricks. It is reversible as all good scarves should be and it will suit both ladies and gents.

Loki 2.0 by Ragga Eiriksdottir
Knit with Worsted weight yarn such as Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and  4.5mm
547 – 766 yards needed
To fits 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 years
It’s the classic Icelandic Sweater only pint sized! Brooklyn Tweed Shelter would be the perfect yarn for this little sweater. The pattern can be knit as a pullover or cardigan but warning, if you want a cardigan you will have to steek. Step by step instructions and videos are included

Authenticity by Sylvia McFadden
Knit with Aran Weight yarn like Madelinetosh Chunky and 5.5mm
550 – 610 yards needed
Can be made bigger or smaller. Sample shown as 80” along the wingspan and 40” from the very top to bottom tip.
A lovely lace shawl made with a chunky yarn for faster knitting and for fashions sake!

Crosshatch by Jared Flood
Knit with both Fingering and Worsted weight yarn and 4mm needles. Designed to combine both Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and Loft.
880 – 1620 yards
13¼ (25½)” [33.5 (65) cm] wide; 76¼” [193.5 cm] long
Brooklyn Tweed describes it thusly: “Two different yarns in contrasting colors combine to create a simple but intriguing scarf. Each pair of rows is worked alternately with Shelter and Loft in brioche stitch”.
This oversized version is gorgeous on the model but there is also a narrower scarf that would suit a man to a tee. Unisex!

Madewell by Joji Locatelli
Knit with Fingering weight yarn and 3.5mm like Julie Asselin’s Piccolo
1100 – 2200 yards
Fits Bust circumference: 30¾ (33½, 35¼, 36¾, 40¾, 44¾, 48¾, 52¾) inches
If you really, really like someone you might make them a sweater. If so this one with the excellent elbow patches might do the trick.

Halvvantene Små blomster / Small flowers Mitts by Pinneguri
Knit with Fingering weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Loft and 2.5mm
164 – 175 yards
It think these mittens look particularly charming in these vintage inspired colour choices. For this reason I recommend Brooklyn Tweed Loft which has a plethora of delicate colours to choose from well suited to these mittens.

Teahouse Wrap by Alexander Tavel
Crochet with Aran Weight yarn such as Berroco Vintage Chunky and  8mm hook
1200 yards
Dimensions of finished item: Width: 86”/218cm, Length from top to point: 40”/102cm
This wrap is crocheted intentionally loose to promote a comfortable drape. It will also work up faster that way!

Mitten Garland by Kat Lewinski
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn and 2.25mm
1050 – 1100 yards
This is meant to be a twenty-four week project to make a Mitten Garland Advent Calendar but I have faith in you, you can do it in six. Or don’t sweat it and make a dozen or just a few, or skip the fairisle business and make each solid in a rainbow of colours.

Rose Bowl Hat and Cowl by Veera Valimaki
Knit with Fingering Weight yarn like Lichen and Lace 80/20 and 3mm
720 yards [660 meters] total. 305 yards [280 meters] in both MC and CC1, 110 yards [100 meters] in CC2.
A pretty cowl and hat set that allows you to have fun with your colour pairings.

Colorful Wedges Baby Blanket by Purl Soho
Knit in Sport Weight yarn and 3.75mm
910 yards
30 inches wide x 30 inches long
I love the modern graphic design of this baby blanket. Imagine a new Mom or Dad’s joy at getting this beauty as a present on a Christmas morn.

Magical Rainbow Blanket by Tamara Kelly
Crocheted in DK or Worsted  Weight yarn such as Berroco Vintage and 5mm 1552 yards 36″ x 36″ or customizable
Crocheters can make this beauty! There are so many terrific baby blanket patterns to choose from for crocheters but I like this ones style.

Baby Humpback Whale by ChiWei Ranck
Crocheted in Aran or Worsted Weight and  4mm crochet hook
170 – 210 yards
17 inches long
So cute as a toy or dare I say – cushion? The whale is worked flat and then sewn together.

Thrum Mittens by The Knit Café
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and  3.5mm
150 – 250 yards
To fit 5-8 years, (9 years-small adult, medium ladies, largeladies/small mens, medium/large mens)
A classic and a favourite! These mittens keep even the coldest of hands warm. The Knit Café has a very detailed Thrum Mitten pattern including tips and pictures and lots of sizes.
Some folks have also expressed interest to me in finding a Thrum Slipper Pattern. I think these Thrum Slippers called  Fingge by OwlCat Designs are pretty cute.

The Knit Cafe just received a beautiful order of fleece from The Fleece Artist. Hand dyed fleece can be used to make multicoloured polka dot patterns on your thrum mittens or you can felt with it, or you can spin it into yarn. If this idea intrigues you, you are in luck. The Knit Café has a yarn spinning class starting soon. Here are the details:

Drop Spindle Class Introduction to Spinning
Sunday December 4, 11, 18, 12:30-2:30pm
Register HERE

Craftily yours
Kristin